More Disneyland-like projects to come up in state, says Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy

Defending the controversial project at KRS, Chief Minister says it will create more employment opportunities in the state

The state’s plan to upgrade the Brindavan Gardens close to the picturesque Krishnarajasagara Dam in Mysuru on the lines of Disneyland may have stirred a hornet’s nest, but Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, during his visit to Mandya, on Friday said the government is determined to make the plan happen. A mammoth watch tower statue of Mother Cauvery is also being planned, irking activists.

What’s more, Kumaraswamy said similar Disneyland-like projects will come up close to Harangi, Hemavathi and Kabini rivers.
‘Disneyland’ in Mysuru will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,060 crore and construction is expected to be wrapped up by 2020.

Private firms are expected to hold the ownership for 25 years and then the ‘Disneyland’ will be handed over to the state
government.

Star Air, which has its headquarters in Bengaluru, had earlier this year won the route in the second round of bidding under the UDAN or the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). Though the airlines’ name does not figure in the DGCA winter schedule which is effective till March 30, 2019, an official said that the airline would commence operations soon.

More job opportunities?

Defending the project, H D Kumaraswamy said the project would create more job opportunities for people.

“Around 5,000 people will have employment opportunities. Also it helps many other families earn their livelihood. It will also attract tourists from across the world which will boost the state’s finances,” the Chief Minister said in Mandya.

When asked about the increasing criticism of the project, Kumaraswamy said, “ I challenge them to have an open debate with me on the project. I will answer everybody then.” When the government announced the Disneyland-like project at KRS, environmentalists and historians expressed displeasure against the state government. Activists said that building such structures on the Cauvery would spoil the river.

Interestingly, even leaders of JD(S) opposed the project. JD(S) state president AH Vishwanath asked ministers Sa Ra Mahesh and D K Shivakumar to study the pros and cons of the project before finalising it.

Devaraj Gowda, a resident of Mandya said, “More than attracting tourists, this will affect more on the beauty of heritage structures. It’s a foolish decision by the government.Instead of investing crores of rupees on a project like Disneyland, Kumaraswamy should spend the money to lift the life of farmers who are struggling for their livelihood. In fact, they are protesting now.”